Do I have the right of way in a crosswalk?

No, not always !!!   Don't be dead right. Don't be dead wrong. Just be safe!!!  Before crossing into a crosswalk, ensure you make eye contact with the approaching drivers in both directions of traffic. Make sure the approaching drivers come to a stop before entering the crosswalk.  In Texas, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. (Click on Texas law for more)



Texas Law

The Texas Transportation Code (TRC) states the following concerning pedestrians and the right-of-way:   

Pedestrian right-of way at a crosswalk - TRC 552.003.

(a) The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if:

      (1)  no traffic control signal is in place or in operation; and           

      (2)  the pedestrian is:                                                      

            (A)  on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or    

            (B)  approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield.

(c)  The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle.

 

Pedestrian crossing at point other than crosswalk – TRC 552.005.

(a) A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place:

     (1)  other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; or

     (2)  where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.

(b)  Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk.

(c)  A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device.

 

 



Take a walk on the Safe Side
Take a Walk on the Safe Side

Easy PDF

TAMARA REDMON
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Federal Highway Administration
Washington, D.C.

Safety is important for all roadway users — pedestrians and drivers alike. Both are expected to follow the safe rules of the road to help prevent crippling or deadly accidents.

Each year, about 4,600 pedestrians are killed and another 70,000 are injured in traffic accidents. Following the tips below will help you to walk on the safe side.

1. Be alert and attentive to traffic and don’t cross the street until it’s safe.

2. Be responsible and obey pedestrian Walk/Don’t Walk signals. One-third of all fatal collisions are a result of a pedestrian disregarding traffic signals or making a dangerous judgment.

3. Look left-right-left. If the road is clear, begin crossing. If you’re in a country where motorists drive on the left side of the road, then reverse the process and look right-left-right.

4. When crossing the street, continue to check for traffic in all directions, especially for vehicles making a right turn on red.

5. At a crosswalk, if there is traffic, make eye contact with drivers so they can see you, understand your intentions and stop before you start to cross.

6. Use sidewalks when they are available. On roads without sidewalks, it is safest to walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
7. Never attempt to walk along or cross expressways, interstate highways or turnpikes. If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside and use your cell phone to call for help.

8. When walking at night or during the low-light hours of dawn or dusk, wear something reflective on your clothing and shoes or carry a flashlight. Almost 50 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and midnight — a six-hour window. Wearing reflective clothing is especially important during the fall and winter months, when daylight hours are shorter and people often wear dark coats or other clothing which may be difficult for motorists to see.

9. Limit consumption of alcohol if you plan on walking. About 34 percent of all pedestrians killed have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater.

10. Supervise road crossings for children under the age of 10 since they don’t have the capacity to safely judge the situation. Pedestrian fatalities involving children between the ages of 5 and 9 make up one-fourth of all roadway fatalities for this age group.

Drivers also need to be extra vigilant. Stay alert. Make sure your lights are on and refrain from taking your eyes off the roadway. Be sure to look for pedestrians in areas where they are likely to appear, such as an intersection, but remember walkers can be on any road. It could save a life — or change yours forever.